FORMALDEHYDEBy: Zach Ross
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formaldehyde.jpg
Lewis Structure and 3D model



Properties

Formula: CH2O
Molar Mass: 30.026 g/mol
IUPAC: methanal
Melting Point: -92 degrees C
Boiling Point: -21 degrees C
Density: 812.14 kg per cubic meter

Appearance

Colorless Gas

formaldehyde-by-gaetan-lee.jpg

3D Model


Formal.jpg

Historical Background

The compound was founded by German chemist August Wilhelm Von Hofmann. However, it was first stumbled upon accidentally by a Russin chemist by the name of Aleksandr Butlerov. A.W. Hofmann officially identified it to the world in 1868.

Found and Obtained

It is the simplest aldehyde. It exists in many different thing. It is found in water as a hydrate H2C(OH)2. It is obtained in forest fires, car exhaust, and in cigarette smoke. If a connection between sunlight and oxygen is produced, it will create smog from which formaldehyde is made.

Uses and Importance

Formaldehyde is found inside glues, preservatives, antiseptics, paints, and film processers. It can be made through a fuel burning stove. Formaldehyde is put in human and animal remains to preserve the bodies.

World Occurrences

During Hurricane Katrina and Rita, FEMA sent out hundreds of trailers for victims to use as shelter. However, excessive amounts of formaldehyde was found in the trailers. It caused extreme headaches to those who were used them. In addition, it made it hard to breathe for the victims. The trailers were also used in the Iowa floods of 2008. In Vietnam and Indonesia, Formaldehyde was found in food.

Chemical Properties

Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde so it has the same reactions as most aldehyde. Although, it is more reactant than any other aldehydes. When combined with hydrogen sulfide trithiane. Also, it could be made when methane is oxidated.

Percent Composition

By Atoms
Carbon: 40%
Hydrogen: 6.73%
Oxygen: 53.27%
By Mass
Carbon: 27.72 % (3.33 mol)
Hydrogen: 33.33 % (6.73 mol)
Oxygen: 20.8% (3.33 mol)
Explanation of Structure
Lewis Structure: Carbon is connected by a single bond to Hydrogen on the left and right and it is double bonded to Oxygen.

Citations

Sources
Brunker, Mike. "Are FEMA trailers 'toxic tin cans'?". MSNBC. November 12, 2009 <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14011193/
"Formaldehyde". Wikipedia. November 12, 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde>
Smith, S.E.. "What is Formaldehyde?". wiseGeek. November 12, 2009 <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-formaldehyde.htm>
Pictures
"Air on The Side Of Caution: Formaldehyde". Eco Times. November 17, 2009 <http://www.econsciousmarket.com/eco-times/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/formaldehyde-by-gaetan-lee.jpg>.
"Formaldehyde molecule in 3D model using Jmol". The Interactive Library. November 12, 2009 <http://www.edinformatics.com/interactive_molecules/3D/formaldehyde_molecule.htm>
"Indoor plants can reduce formaldehyde levels". Sustainable Footprint. November 18, 2009 <http://www.duurzamevoetafdruk.nl/en/cms/selplaatje.asp?id=254>.